By Chris O'Brien
July 23 2006

Cristiano Ronaldo has stunned United supporters by announcing that he wishes to leave the club over the summer. The 21-year-old caused controversy following his role in Wayne Rooney's World Cup sending-off, and the winger is favouring a fresh start in Spain.

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that he wishes to leave Old Trafford over the summer and is strongly in favour of a move to a leading Spanish club.

The 21-year-old has been vilified by the English press for his role in Wayne Rooney's World Cup quarter-final sending-off, and it has been suggested that the two players will not be able to work with eachother at United following the controversy that surrounded Rooney's dismissal.

"I should get out of Manchester as the circumstances are not right." said the 21-year-old.

"Nobody stood up for me and my desire is to play in Spain. Will it be Real or Barcelona? I hope it will be one of them."

Ronaldo had been linked with a move to Madrid prior to the quarter-final showdown. The player remains under contract with United until 2010, and the Red Devils are unlikely to part with the want-away attacker for anything less than a substantial fee.

United splashed out over £12million to Sporting Lisbon for the player's services in 2003.